“Conflict Resolution, Quick Fix or Skills for Life?”
AKSOB 904, Beirut campus
As part of its “Keep Learning” alumni lectures program, the Alumni Relations Office at LAU is organizing lecture #4 of the academic year 2015 – 2016 entitled “Conflict Resolution: Quick Fix or Skills for Life?”.
Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. The disagreement may be personal, financial, political, or emotional. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is negotiation to resolve the disagreement.
The lecture will be presented by Makram Ouaiss who will discuss the following topics:
1- Conflict Resolution as a discipline: historical background
2- What can and does this discipline teach us?
3- Ramifications of the discipline on other fields?
4- Tools for a quick fix or skills for life?
5- Q & A
Ouaiss is assistant professor of Political Science and International Affairs at LAU. His areas of research are conflict resolution, democratic development, elections and international relations. He held the position of Chief Technical Specialist for the Strengthening Electoral Program in Lebanon with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in support of the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities from 2010 to 2011. Before joining LAU, Ouaiss was associated with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) where he held the positions of senior advisor for political and election processes, deputy director for Central and West Africa and deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa region. He also worked for several years on programs in Asia. In these capacities, Ouaiss has conducted parliamentary, political party, civic, election and conflict resolution programs in over 35 countries. Before joining the Institute, Ouaiss worked at Amnesty International and the United Nations’ Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
He has also served on the board of several nongovernmental organizations. He was elected coordinator of a pro-peace coalition of 31 nongovernmental organizations called the Gathering Wahdatouna Khalasouna (Our Unity is Our Salvation) and served as secretary general of the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE).
He holds a Masters’ degree in International Affairs and Economics from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), of the Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University’s School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (SCAR).
The lecture will be followed by a reception. As places are limited, please confirm your attendance no later than May 12, 2016, by contacting the Alumni Relations Office at Tel: +961 1 786456 Ext. 1136 or e-mail alumni.relations@lau.edu.lb.